Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Teachers singing in distress during day two of the Jamaica Teachers' Association conference held in Ocho Rios last month. - Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The paltry wages being paid to teachers by the Education Ministry has seen countless teachers living on the poverty line - some sacrificing and literally starving themselves to survive.

In this special report, two teachers who spoke with The Sunday Gleaner on condition of anonymity reveal some of the intrinsically difficult and embarrassing situations they face, all for the good of educating the nation's children.

Similar stories

Their stories are similar. They do not purchase lunch - not because they do not wish to, but because they cannot afford to. When they are paid, they purchase grocery at a wholesale store and if the money runs out before the next salary arrives it is tough luck for them.

DShas been a primary school teacher for just under 10 years and holds both a teaching diploma and a degree. She lives in St. James. She takes home about $40,000 per month. From that she pays $5,000 for insurance, $10,000 for mortgage and the remainder in other expenses.

"If I were to purchase lunch from my salary I would not have money for that. I do not have any savings. We have to give extra lessons and sometimes the parents pay us," DS said. "We sell little things like pencils, books and little nix-nax to supplement our salary."

A single woman with no dependant, she says she cannot even afford to treat herself to a proper meal or buy the kind of clothing she desires. "I can't maintain myself and that is why I do not yet have a child and I will soon be 40 years old. I spend between $4,000 and $5,000 monthly at the wholesale. I cannot afford to shop at the supermarket."

Asked why she stuck to teaching with all the rigours and frustration it brings, DS interjects: "I've tried to get other jobs, but it seems there is now a move afoot to prevent teachers from leaving the classroom. The private sector is not employing teachers as in the past. I do not wish to migrate and I feel like giving back something to society."

She admits that having a Master's degree, as a classroom teacher does not make a big difference, as they are only paid an extra $1,000. "Principals and the VPs (vice principals) get good salaries and perks, but only a few are appointed," DS relates.

GGis a vice principal and has been teaching for more than 40 years in St. James.

Unable to stretch dollar

She declines to disclose her pay package, but stresses that she is unable to stretch her dollar. "I purchase groceries at the wholesale once per month and about six pounds of meat. When vegetables are cheap we buy in bulk and try to conserve."

Generally, teachers survive by doing extra sessions or working part-time for private companies - joining partners with their colleagues and getting involved in home economics and buying and selling goods.

Fortunately, GG says she does not pay rent and she has a family of three.

She sympathises with the ordinary classroom teachers who are paid less. "It is really hard on teachers. We try to survive and hope that we eat the right things because we can't eat the best. We pray not to get sick, so we eat lots of fruits and vegetables," she says.

She is able to save about $15,000 monthly only by way of salary deduction.

Not their real names